February - Ketchikan Yacht Club

Photo by Joy Craig
Propeller & Sail
Ketchikan Yacht Club Member’s
Newsletter for February 2009
KYC HOSTS FIRST VISITORS
OF 2009
Photo/Marvin Davis
Chris and Eric Henning of Thorne Bay
spent a few days at the end of January
and into February as visitors at the
KYC. They brought their 30' Willard
over just ahead of some pretty nasty
weather. Eric reported having to stick
his head outside to navigate visually,
as the snow obscured his vision out of
the pilothouse windows. Sounds like it
was pretty lumpy getting here, as he
reported being thrown from one side of
the pilot house to the other.
Eric is a former employee (many years
ago) of Uniflite, and he noted the
several we have at the dock (a 28'
Salty Dog model owned by Marvin
Davis and a 40' SportFisher owned by
Jerry Cegelske). We trust they enjoyed
their safe stay here at the clubhouse,
and we know they got out a bit and
enjoyed a meal or two around town.
We hope they return!
Taken Feb 14th, the
long side slips on
Float 2 proudly
show gleaming
white hulls, bows all
aligned into the
prevailing winds.
A slight skim of ice
on the water and
snow on the float
was all that
prevented one from
believing this could
be late April.
Float 2, KYC Photo/ Marvin Davis
Commodore’s Comments
Marvin Davis, Commodore
I love this time of year. Days are getting longer, the daylight appears before we get
to work, it’s still light when most of you leave for home in the evening, and the
promise of spring is right around the corner. It is a pleasure on a nice day to go down
to the boat around noon, stand in the wheelhouse and enjoy the natural warmth
coming in through the windows. To breathe in the smells of the boat, the faint hint of
diesel, the smells of past years activities, trapped and now just warmed and waiting
to get out. I find myself thinking of the fishing and jaunts to various areas around
here, and can’t wait to again untie the lines for a run down to Bostwick, or to Carroll
Inlet, or just over to Camano. I find myself starting to watch the tides carefully, to
get back in the natural rhythms of ebb and flow. It’s that time of year that promises
all kinds of good things to come, and the increasing optimism that comes with more
daylight and time.
Now is the time to start the lists of things that need to be done, and for me a good list
includes things that must be done, and things that I would like to get done. As the
owner of an older boat, I find constantly find things that are wearing out, cracking,
breaking, leaking. As we all know, it is tempting to think we might be able to get one
more season out of “it”, whatever the problem child is. That might happen, but how
many of you have gone out, and in the back of your mind you know that there is this
problem with “xyz” issue, but think that it might last another season? It kind of
takes the enjoyment out of the day when you hear that squeal in the alternator belt,
or see the faulty battery gage reading, or keep running back to check that the
exchange water is still pumping out the exhaust. These are the things that I put on
my must do list, they’re more than just nice if they were done, if I don’t do these
things I won’t enjoy my trip as much as if I knew they were taken care of. More often
than not, they are really crucial to the safe operation of our boats. So those are the
things that get done first, the must do things. Check belts, impellers, batteries and
alternators, fuel lines and filters, change oil and filter, ( even if I just did that last
fall), check shaft and packing, zinc inspection, gages and switches, all lights and
indicators, all bilge pumps, wash down pump, etc. A lot of these things we can do
one at a time, because there is just a little more daylight and time now. If a major
problem presents itself, I know I have time before I really need to use the boat to get
that problem fixed.
A big THANK YOU to all of you who have again renewed your membership and
commitment to KYC, even though some of you don’t live in or close to the community.
Your Officers and Trustees have approved a balanced, slightly profitable budget for
the 2009 year, with no large capital projects planned for this year. The past couple of
years have seen the need for large capital improvement items, last year it was the
replacement of the skiff float. This year we are going to work on needed
maintenance, and on little projects to make the clubhouse more usable, energy
efficient, and more open to the membership. We are starting by cleaning up (and
out) the office, evaluating how to cut energy costs, modernizing our TV and
components, and looking for ways to make the clubhouse a place where people enjoy
coming to socialize and enjoy our marine environment. Don’t forget, membership
meetings the first Tuesday of each month through May, and we are continuing the
very popular Friday Steak Night through May also, after which we start the Friday
Night BBQ each Friday through the summer. See you soon and safe sailing!
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DOCK TALK
The February Membership meeting was held the 3rd, with a moderate turnout for the
evening. Guest speaker was KYC member Vern Craig, representing the Ketchikan
chapter of the USCG Auxiliary Squadron. He put on a very interesting presentation,
themed around safety on the water. The presentation was a good reminder that an
accident can happen at any time, and of course most often when you never expect it.
We had a good reminder of that this last summer, when a couple of sailboaters went
in while tied right next to the float house on Float 2. Luckily, bystanders heard them
yell, and were able to effect a rescue with little injury to the two in the water. It did
put us on notice however that there are no ladders or means of climbing out of the
water on Float 2, anywhere. Thanks Vern, for a very appropriate presentation, and a
reminder to keep safety in the forefront when working and playing around the water.
Several KYC members are still off galavanting around in the sunshine, or abroad.
Judith and Sam McQuerry are in South Africa on a 3-week Rotary Club friendship
exchange. During their stay in South Africa, they will do home stays with other
Rotarians in their own professions in various towns and cities. They were promised
some time for a photo safari, among other outings, so KYC has already requested a
slide show from them when they return to Ketchikan. Judith indicated that the
weather in South Africa would be the 70s and 80s during their visit, so we won't be
surprised to see them return with tanned faces, in spite of the sunblock they both
promised to use. Judith also reported that the trip from Ketchikan to Cape Town,
South Africa was a 33 hour airplane ride........OUCH! Methinks that a plane trip of that
duration might produce a bad case of ferrotinitis.....lead in the kazoo. We will know
for sure when we see them next! Post Script: Judith called long distance to report that she
and Sam were “having a great time!” and were “drafting kites on the White River of South
Africa!” Due to a somewhat garbled voice transmission of such a great distance, we think
maybe the report was something about “whitewater rafting”, but we can't confirm that. Either
way, it sounds like they are having a very good time, indeed. The slide show should be worth
viewing, for sure!
The first annual Pennock Island Resident’s Pizza Bakeoff was held at the KYC
clubhouse Feb 14. Hosted by Terri and Pat Jirschele of Pennock Island, and owners
of MV “MYTOY” on float 2, this event was held that evening, but was hours in the
making. Word has it that it was a challenge event, with Olney Webb of Pennock
claiming superior, unmatched pizza making skills. He arrived shortly after noon, with
bags, pots, bottles, cans and pans of materials, apparently to get a head start on his
competition. After unsuccessfully volunteering to act as judge, this writer reluctantly
left the clubhouse that afternoon to the smells of fresh baked crusts, tomato and
pizza spices wafting on the warm air. Smelled like a winner! According to Pat,
around 20 turned out, it wasn't much of a contest as all the pizzas were excellent,
with more than enough to go around. Some of the folks that attended were not aware of the
clubhouse or knew much about the group, so it was a good PR function and raised the
awareness of our group. The final results of the evening were provided by Terri
Jirschele, who claims the judges had a hard time and ran out of pizza before a
determination was made. That sounds like an easy out, but maybe makes sense
when you consider that these folks all live on the same island together, and had
better get along.
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Projects now on the burner for this spring include new locks and keys to the
clubhouse and office, moving of the hot water tank, installation of insulation and
timers to control cost of heating water, install GFI plugs on any circuit that is close to
water, install new electric circuit in kitchen so we don’t keep blowing the breaker,
purchase and installation of a new digital TV and sound/video/DVD system, and if we
can get to it, renovation of the pots and pans storage area, or perhaps new cupboards
and sink area, if we can find some cheap. These are things that have been left alone
in the past, but are either in need of replacement, will help in cost cutting, are safety
issues, or will enhance the membership use of the club. The current sink and drawer
area (circa 1950s) is rusting out, especially when it leaks. It’s a lot to bite off, but
maybe we can get some of it done. And then there’s still the back door………..
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Al & Mimi Kotlarov have likewise been galavanting some, having just returned from a
6 week jaunt to South America where they toured Brazil and Argentina. Looks like Al
had a little too much fun, though, judging from the jungle rot he picked up in the leg,
but it is healing nicely, we hear. Al & Mimi report seeing a gigantic waterfall and some
pretty fabulous bird life, among many other adventures. Welcome home, guys.
Speaking of Kotlarovs, a little trouble has developed on Float 2 aboard several boats.
It appears that Al was dragging his feet on getting Mimi a mink stole to wear to their
frequent jaunts to the opera in Seattle and other places south. One must be dressed
appropriately for the opera circuit I hear. Anyway, Mimi, without Al’s knowledge,
started a little mink farm aboard their 32’ Bayliner, which kind of got out of hand. A
recent inspection of the boat revealed that mink are messy, both in eating habits and
not well potty trained, as well as liking to spread their musk on everything that will
soak it up. End of mink farm, and we’re watching to see how big the new coat will be.
But, the story doesn’t end there….
Terry Wanzer made a surprise inspection to his boat out at the end of Float 2, and
found to his consternation that a mink appeared to be in residence aboard his vessel’s
entertainment section in the stern area, but hadn’t gotten inside (yet). While
inspecting to see what damage had been done, Terry was checking the insulation on
the wiring, to see if any chewing or other damage had been done. Imagine his
surprise when the wiring he was pulling on, pulled back! Apparently this slick burglar
had not had a chance to get back to the water before Terry came aboard. Terry
reported that the mink’s choice of cuisine appears to be heavy to crab legs! This mink
is probably either the same one, or closely related to the small animal that penetrated
Al Rockwood’s sailboat “Osse” last year, resulting in a major clean out and cleaning
of all cushions, seating and decking inside the cabin. It was reported that the otters
got to Jim Taro’s boat also last year, resulting in a major overhaul cleanup of that
vessel. It appears that any small hole, not much bigger than a mink head, is
adequate passage if a mink wants to go there. Peeww!
Jesse Osborne was spotted in Ketchikan in late February, says he is doing a bit of
traveling. In addition to his boat brokerage business, he is also available to “out of
town” cruisers to skipper their boats and guide them on eco-tour style cruises here in
SE Alaska. He recently took a fishing boat from Klawock to Juneau in January, says it
was quite a trip, taking the outside route to Chatham Strait, and then up and over to
Juneau. Had a bit of experience with northerlies, and lots of icing. One night he said
it took him over half an hour with the ax to get the anchor free. Some of the longtimers here in SE Alaska and ferry skippers know about that!
HE TALKS THE TALK, BUT WON’T WALK
THE WALK!
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand
words, and one of KYC’s finest (finest
what, we can’t say) was recently spotted
participating at a cultural event, the
popularly attended KAAHC 2009
Wearable Arts Show. While we agree
that he is a class(ic) act all by himself, he
was actually in attendance of his wife,
Jean Bartos, who was again this year
showing off another of her unique and
classy wearable gowns. What makes this
remarkable though, is that Louie, yes our
own Louie Bartos, was dressed to the
nines in what everyone assumes was a
tuxedo and top hat, though few in this
club own one or perhaps have even seen
one! His job was to escort Jean down the
runway, while she is modeling her
creation, and add an underscore
(counterpoint?) to the classiness of her
creation. But alas, Louie who appears to
have gotten cold rubber boots, stopped at
the beginning of the runway, waved goodbye to his wife, who was beckoning
him to accompany her, and went no further. Having walked the entire length
of the runway and back by herself, Jean was presented a flower? as Louie
attempted to redeem himself. Hey, we just reports it as we sees it……..
By the way, has anyone seen Louie since the show?
New Members as of February 2009
Tom & Mary Schulz – M/V Killer Whale, a 31' Boston Whaler. Tom is a retired judge and Mary is a
retired teacher. They sold their home in Juneau and have moved back to Ketchikan recently. They
were invited guests to the January “Steak Night” and really enjoyed the group and the time they had
Kristin Fahey – crew on S/V Kermit, owned & skippered by Sally Hansen, one of the KYC Wednesday
night racing sailboats. Kristin trims the main sail, the “engine” of a racing sailboat and is a university
student in Ketchikan as well as a long-time resident.
“Welcome Aboard” to all of these new members!
Upcoming Events ….. Fun & Fab Member Activities!!!
Racing Sailors 2009 Season Start-Up Meeting .........Feb 25, 2009
(Wednesday) 1900 hours
Membership Meeting ......... March 3, 2009 (Tuesday) 1930 hours, potluck
dinner at 1830 hours
St. Patrick’s Day Doings March 14th, Saturday 6:00 pm, Clubhouse
KYC will host a St. Pat’s Day dinner at the clubhouse, commencing 6:00 pm,
featuring the usual suspects of corned beef, cabbage, onions, carrots, potato
and slaw. Guests are welcome to bring any other side dish or dessert, no
cover charge, BYOB, donations welcome. Teka LaMade got to enjoy this last
year, where she learned how to cook Corned beef. Everyone’s welcome, let’s
have fun.
Steak Night......March 20
th
(Friday) 1800 hours
Trustee’s Meeting, 12:00 noon, March 24th, @ KYC
Sailboat Racing - Practice Races
April 16, 2009 (Wednesday) 1800 hours
April 22, 2009 (Wednesday) 1800 hours
April 29, 2009 (Wednesday) 1800 hours
Spring Fling & Boat Open House..........May 2, 2009 (Saturday) all day. We
are considering a swap meet of marine items, an open house of boats on the KYC float
2 finger dock, a pig roast and barbecue, a Coast Auxiliary complimentary boat safety
inspection and various other fun and educational activities. Let us know your ideas, in
addition to these mentioned, so that we can do the stuff that YOU want to do. It's
YOUR CLUB......let us know what you want to do as activities.
Reminders to Float 2 Moorage Holders............
The billings for the period March 1 to August 30 have gone out, and are due back to
the club by Feb. 25th at the latest. Payment to Ports and Harbors by KYC must be
made by that date, or the KYC is subject to penalties for late payment by the City of
Ketchikan. At this time, there are no vacancies on either the long or short side of
Float 2, and there is a waiting list. Members requiring or considering moorage should
contact Deb Davis to get on the waiting list.
By the way, we would like to encourage each moorage holder on Float 2 to re-read
their by-laws and the rules regarding moorage at the KYC. Moorage at KYC carries a
set of responsibilities and commitments to the club and to the other members berthed
there. That includes participation in events, cleanups, work parties, maintenance of
their boat, flying the burgee during the boating season, and the reminder that the
privilege of mooring can be taken away if the member is not active in their
participation. We do have a waiting list of members that would like a stall, if current
stallholders can’t hold up their end of the agreement.
This is the boardwalk at Baranof Hot Springs, Baranof Island, Alaska. In the distance are some lodges
and the 3 public baths, popular with fishermen and cruisers alike. To the right is the town dock (public)
and the famous waterfall that falls directly into the saltwater cove. Uphill, a short hike reaches the
natural hot springs nestled in rocks next to the waterfall. Delightful!
This second
photo is
KaShakes Cove,
at sunset, taken
from S/V
Peaches by ML
Dahl. KaShakes
is a beautiful
spot also, with
white sand
beaches.
NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME
Do you know a friend or acquaintance that enjoys the water,
cruising activities, sailing, is knowledgeable about boats, all of the
above, or would like to learn more, and isn’t a KYC member? This
is a good time to approach them, and invite them to a club activity,
or to visit the clubhouse, and tell them about membership in KYC.
As well as making new friends, membership is an educational
experience, with the sharing of experiences, cruising destinations,
mistakes and learning experiences, and club speakers and classes.
Membership applications are available at the clubhouse, and soon
on line at www.ketchikanyachtclub.com where you might be
reading this now.
Ketchikan Yacht Club
PO Box 6694
Ketchikan, AK 99901
Celebrating 76 years 1933-2009